Bob:
I think everybody who autocrosses a BMW has the same problem. It was a
little surprising to me, also. I was glad I didn't crack the rear window.
One guy locally finally epoxy'd his on, but I didn't think that would go
over real well if I ever needed warranty work, so I found a better way.
Yank your knob, (if you don't mind my using that phrase), measure the width
of the slot with an inside caliper, and squeeze the end of your shaft with a
pair of visegrips to close the slot about .010 inch. It didn't take much
pressure, so take it easy. When you put your knob back on, you will have to
push pretty hard or give it a whack with the heel of your hand to get it on,
but it won't fly off again. Incidentally, there are many alternative BMW
knobs available from places like Bavarian Autosport (BavAuto.com). Maybe
you will find one that is both heated, and pleasant tasting.
Todd
on 11/13/02 2:37 PM, Bob Monday at boysrus_racing@yahoo.com wrote:
> Has anyone else had trouble with that bowling-ball sized chrome shifter
> knob coming off in your hand when you 'throw a big shift'? That's kind
> of unnerving on an autocross course! At least I didn't loft it into the
> radio or drop it into the back seat. That WOULD have been hard to
> recover from while on course! Ever try to drive a slalom with your left
> hand and put the knob back on its post with the right?
>
> It probably happened 4 times last Saturday. Is this natural, or is it
> my technique? (Fortunately, it is under warranty for another 35,100
> miles..) The crazy thing doesn't screw on. It just has some little
> plastic tabs that "lock" (wishful thinking, apparently) into a groove.
>
> I HATE the knob, BTW. Talk about being as cold as a %&%^* #$%$ !!
> Lot's of mass there. I'd advise against putting your tongue on it in
> the winter if you live north of Frostproof, FL!
>
> Bob Monday
> Indpls
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